Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, inappropriate suburban design in a sensitive landscape, potential negative impacts on the Lough Iron SPA and pNHA, and inadequate site suitability for wastewater treatment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a local rural housing need in accordance with CPO 9.1, as the information provided was inconsistent and the applicant is a prospective purchaser rather than a member of the local farming family landholding.
- The proposed two-storey suburban design is considered visually intrusive and fails to integrate with the sensitive rural landscape, which is adjacent to a Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lough Iron SPA/pNHA.
- Serious concerns exist regarding public health and environmental protection due to poor soil percolation, a high water table, and the lack of an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report to evaluate impacts on the nearby Natura 2000 network.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 16.32CPO 12.4CPO 12.20CPO 12.6CPO 12.7CPO 12.13
Decision Document Summary
Andrew Whitney sought permission for a 230sqm two-storey dwelling and detached garage at Nolagh, Ballinalack, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban influence, adjacent to the Lough Iron SPA and pNHA. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the applicant did not establish a functional rural housing need, the proposed design was deemed suburban and unsympathetic to the landscape, and the site demonstrated poor drainage characteristics that posed a r...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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